News

Confront Terrorists, We’re Not Coward, Gov Akeredolu Charges Ondo People

Published

4 years ago

July 5, 2022

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has charged the people of the State to be alert, always look out for terrorists and confront them squarely.

The Governor said that people should stop running into their houses whenever they see the heavily armed terrorists but to face them squarely and chase them back into the forests.

He noted that there might be some casualties in trying to be so courageous, but insisted that Ondo people are not lazy and cannot be dominated by anyone.

The Governor stated this when he appeared on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday evening, adding that the Zamfara State Governor may have been a bit extreme when he proposed arms for his people for self defence, but insisted that such is the response you get from someone who has been pushed so hard.

“I heard my brother in Zamfara who said [he will] licence people to carry arms, well it might be a bit extreme measure, but when you’re pushed to the wall, there’s nothing else you can say.

“So what we’ve learnt earlier is that our people cannot afford to stay back or lay back as if we’re lazy people. We’re not lazy.

“We’re indomitable people in spirit and everything, nobody can dominate us. So when we believe that and strongly act that, fight these people back! If they come, push them back into the forest and whosoever has the higher arm will survive.

“So for us, people have to be alert…and when incidents like this happen, don’t run to your house, go ahead and confront it. Yes, people may lose their lives which is unfortunate, but if you confront it, they will hardly go away.”

Speaking on the very group responsible for the massacre of Christian worshippers in Owo, Ondo State, the Governor said that the Federal Government was quick to jump into conclusions that ISWAP carried out the attack.

According to him, the security agencies have not been able to provide the evidence to back up their claims, adding that ISWAP usually took responsibility for their heinous crimes.

Akeredolu said it was impossible to separate the activities of Fulani terrorists, bandits and ISWAP, maintaining that they operate together.

“What evidence do they have? Because we ought to know. Because they were too quick to jump to the conclusion that it was done by ISWAP. But whatever it is, we stand on the position that it’s the trilogy that is operating in our forests and causing havoc,” he added.

“You just have Fulani herdsmen right in front, followed by these bandits and then ISWAP. The three of them work together. So we’re not people who’ll buy the idea of whether it is bandits or terrorists, Fulani herdsmen or ISWAP. In Ondo State we’ve been facing terrorism from the three.

“Whether they’re bandits, Fulani herdsmen or ISWAP they work together. So I don’t know how you want to separate them unless you come out with concrete evidence.

“And our contention is that ISWAP, most times they take responsibility for their actions. When they do things, they say ‘we’ve done it’.

“They take pride in all this heinous crime. So, I expect that if ISWAP had done it, they’d have come out and owned it up,” he said.

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

16 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

16 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.